North-east playpark dog ban plan could be scrapped

A proposal to ban dogs from schools and children’s play areas in the north-east could be scrapped at a crunch meeting next week.

Aberdeenshire Council is considering whether dogs should be prevented from entering more than 800 council-owned patches of land including schools, playparks, sports pitches and cemeteries to protect young children and reduce dog mess.

Council staff consulted area committees and have written a report to be considered by the council’s infrastructure services committee, which is to meet on Thursday.

It recommends councillors shun a ban and keep things as they are, while targeting problem areas as and when they arise.

“This can include erection of signs, local publicity campaigns, stepping up patrols by the dog wardens, who would also use enforcement powers if necessary,” said the report.

The meeting could bring more good news for dog owners who might have been fearing a ban – there could be dog attractions introduced to parks.

The report recommends councillors explore “the potential” for creating additional dog agility areas, which “will be undertaken if it is considered this would help alleviate issues arising in locations”.